Your moisturiser should leave your skin feeling soft, hydrated and comfortable. If it leaves you with a stinging or burning sensation instead, it’s worth finding out why – especially if your skin is sensitive or has recently started behaving differently.
Whether you have started reacting to a new moisturiser or your old favourite, that prickling feeling usually means your skin is in a state of high alert.
At Green People, we have been pioneering organic beauty since 1997, focusing on sensitive skin care that avoids the common triggers responsible for that uncomfortable post-application sting.
Here, we explore the most common face cream triggers for sensitive skin and help you choose the right moisturiser to help your skin feel comfortable again.
At a glance
- A stinging or burning sensation often indicates a compromised skin barrier or a sensitivity to one of the ingredients
- Fragrances, drying alcohols and harsh preservatives are common triggers for skin discomfort
- Switching to a fragrance-free routine can help to calm reactive complexions
- Green People Scent Free Truffle Night Cream provides quick comfort and calm
- Green People Scent Free 24-Hour Cream offers anti-ageing hydration without the sting
- Look for ingredients like Squalane and Shea Butter to support barrier repair
These products are designed for sensitive skin but should be patch tested if your skin is currently reactive.
What causes a moisturiser to sting?
Used the same moisturiser for years without a problem? It can be confusing when something your skin once loved suddenly starts to sting.
Our skin changes throughout our lives, and factors such as hormones, stress, weather and your skin care habits can all affect how reactive it feels. This can make previously well-tolerated ingredients suddenly feel uncomfortable.
Of course, if you’ve recently changed moisturiser, the product itself could be the culprit. Fragrance and other potential irritants may cause stinging in sensitive skin, so pay attention to when the reaction started and what changed around the same time.
Fragrance is one of the most common causes of skin sensitivity. Even natural essential oils can be too much for a compromised skin barrier to handle. When your skin is already in a reactive state, any scent - synthetic or natural - can act as a trigger, leading to a temporary burning sensation upon application.
Another ingredient found in many moisturisers that can cause stinging and dryness is ethyl alcohol (ethanol). This is an ingredient we refuse to use in any Green People product.
"I founded Green People when my daughter, Alexandra, was struggling with skin allergies and eczema. I realised that so many products labelled as natural still contained harsh ingredients that can cause irritation. I decided to do things differently."
- Charlotte Vøhtz, Founder of Green People
The best moisturiser for quick comfort
If you find your skin stings when putting moisturiser on, switching to a dedicated unscented routine is the most effective way to provide immediate relief. Our Scent Free Truffle Night Cream is specifically designed for ultra-sensitive complexions that are in need of comfort and calm.
It contains Northern Truffle, an ingredient clinically proven to soothe skin and increase the threshold for pain and irritation. This natural, non-greasy face cream works while you sleep to rebalance your microbiome and strengthen the skin barrier.
Scent Free Truffle Night Cream 50ml
Soothe, calm and repair with this Ceramide and Truffle sleep cream★★★★★
“This night dream was found in a search for a fragrance free, soothing night cream. Did not expect this to beat out all other brands I’ve tried. It’s gorgeous.”
Sarah O · Verified Buyer
Reviewing: Scent Free Truffle Night Cream 50ml
See this product now →
The best everyday sensitive moisturiser
Once your skin has found its balance, maintain its happy place with a calming moisturiser that is truly gentle for sensitive skin (and is enhanced with some anti-ageing goodness too!). Our Scent Free 24-Hour Cream is a best-selling choice for those who need reliable, everyday hydration without the drama.
This COSMOS Organic certified cream uses a blend of Avocado Oil, Squalane and Seaweed to deeply nourish the skin while remaining incredibly gentle. It is a velvety moisturiser that sinks in quickly, leaving the skin feeling plump and soft rather than irritated.
Crema 24 Horas Sin Perfume 50ml
Una piel sana empieza con nuestra crema hidratante superventas para pieles sensibles€36,95
★★★★★
“Best moisturizer ever!”
Jessica N · Verified Buyer
Reviewing: Scent Free 24-Hour Cream 50ml
See this product now →Comforting the body: Stop the sting from head to toe
The face isn't the only area that can experience sensitivity. The skin on your hands and body can become dry and cracked, making the application of a standard body lotion quite painful. Many high street lotions use drying alcohols or fragrances that can exacerbate the burning feeling on broken skin.
For full-body comfort, we recommend the Scent Free Body Lotion. It is a lightweight, fluid formula that delivers essential fatty acids from Evening Primrose Oil and Perilla Oil to the skin.
Because it is COSMOS Organic certified and free from harsh ingredients, it provides a soothing touch for even the most delicate skin, helping to repair the barrier and restore suppleness without any post-application prickling.
Loción Corporal Sin Perfume 150ml
Descubre una hidratación profunda de la piel con nuestra loción corporal calmante y sin perfume€39,95
★★★★★
“My husband started using this cream 3 years ago and it has changed his life. He use to suffer from sensitive and itchy skin. Now he has no problems whatsoever due to discovering Green People. He is more than delighted! Thank you Green People!”
Mary J · Verified Buyer
Reviewing: Scent Free Body Lotion 150ml
See this product now →Building a non-stinging daily routine
Restoring your skin requires a consistent approach across your entire routine. If you use a harsh cleanser followed by a gentle moisturiser, the cleanser may have already done the damage. Start with the Scent Free Cleanser, a cream-based wash that lifts away make-up and impurities without stripping away your natural oils.
Limpiador sin perfume 150ml
¡Este limpiador sin perfume es un esencial para la piel sensible!€39,95
★★★★★
“I have now tried one of every single item in the scent-free range and can say I'm utterly staggered at how happy my skin is! Usually I would have to slather on a ton of moisturiser after washing, as my skin would become immediately tight and painful. I use a pea-sized amount now, and no longer have to use hand cream after washing my hands as their hand wash leaves my skin supple and comfortable. Incredible range, wonderful company. Will be a repeat customer for the rest of my life. xxx”
Alison H · Verified Buyer
Reviewing: Scent Free Cleanser 150ml
See this product now →Follow with targeted care for the eyes and protection from the sun. The Scent Free Eye Cream is designed to be exceptionally kind to the thin, delicate skin around the eyes, while our Scent Free Facial Sun Cream - SPF30 provides necessary UV protection without the heavy, greasy feel or chemical scent that often causes sensitive skin to react.
Contorno de Ojos Sin Perfume 10ml
Rejuvenezca y calme con nuestra Crema de Ojos más suave para pieles sensibles€27,95
★★★★★
“Lovely soft creme. Easy to apply to whole eye area without dragging the skin. Very happy with the product for my ageing delicate skin. Definitely recommend.”
Vick T · Verified Buyer
Reviewing: Scent Free Eye Cream 10ml
See this product now →
Crema Solar Facial Sin Perfume - SPF30 50ml
Proteja e hidrate con esta crema solar facial con SPF. Ideal para pieles secas o sensibles.€39,95
★★★★★
“Fantastic sun lotion. Light and non greasy. Can be worn under makeup for a natural look with sun protection . Easy to apply too. I have been using this for a few years and would be lost without it . Thankyou Green People . It’s brilliant as it is specifically for your face and is great for sensitive skin.”
Noelle H · Verified Buyer
Reviewing: Scent Free Facial Sun Cream - SPF30 50ml
See this product now →For more advice on managing reactive complexions, you might enjoy our guide to the best natural ingredients for sensitive skin or our tips on how to handle an allergic reaction to skin care.
Medical disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have severe or persistent skin burning, please consult a healthcare professional or visit the NHS website for guidance on contact dermatitis.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my skin burn when I apply moisturiser?
This is usually due to a damaged skin barrier. When the protective outer layer of your skin is compromised, ingredients in your cream can penetrate deeper and irritate the nerves, causing a burning sensation. You may also be sensitive to one or more of the ingredients in your moisturiser.
Should I keep using a moisturiser that stings?
It is best to stop using any product that causes a significant sting or burn. Instead, switch to a fragrance-free formula designed for barrier repair until your skin feels calm and comfortable again. Consult a medical professional if concerned.
Are natural ingredients better if my skin stings?
Certified organic and natural products often avoid the harsh preservatives and synthetic fragrances found in conventional brands. However, even some natural extracts can be irritating, so choosing scent free options is the safest choice for reactive skin.
Can weather cause my moisturiser to sting?
Yes, cold winds and low humidity can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and cracks. This makes it easier for your daily moisturiser to cause a stinging sensation upon application.
We hope you have found the best way to support your complexion with sensitive skin care when your skin stings when putting moisturiser on. If you need any more help or advice, our friendly UK customer care team are happy to help on 01403 740350 or on social @GreenPeopleUK.
MEET CHARLOTTE, FOUNDER OF GREEN PEOPLE
Charlotte Vøhtz, founder of Green People, has 25+ years of experience in the natural and organic beauty industry.
A recognised leader in the field of organic beauty, Charlotte helped inform the UK's first organic beauty standards and was voted the People's Choice in the 2023 list of Who's Who in Natural Beauty.
A published author, she wrote the organic beauty bible Naturally Gorgeous. Previously, she qualified as a nurse and spent over 10 years working in pharmaceuticals.
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